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About The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame

In the United States, there are Sports Halls of Fame that honor professional and amateur athletes in football, basketball, track, tennis, baseball and other sports. There are also ethnic halls of fame that recognize outstanding athletes from different groups including Italian, Jewish, Irish and blacks to name a few. But, there was not a single sports hall of fame that would recognize, honor and salute the outstanding accomplishments/achievements and contributions of our Latino/Hispanic Sports Heritage not only from the United States but also those who came to this country from Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Central and South America and from the vast talent from the Caribbean Islands. The Latin-American International Sports Hall of Fame/Salon de Ia Fama Latinoamericano del Deporte was organized in Laredo, Texas in 1974. At first it was to celebrate, honor and promote local and regional individuals who had excelled at their particular sport but soon it opened the doors to include National and International Professional Athletes. It also recognizes as Sportsman of the Year individuals who continue to preserve and enhance our Latino culture, values and educational opportunities for our youth and who contribute to the betterment of the City of Laredo and South Texas. There have been since its inception an equal recognition of women athletes inductees. It was important to find role models for our youth and the organizers wanted to include all ages, regardless of sex in their programs. The Latin Hall was also created to promote economic development and stimulate business activity in downtown Laredo when local businesses are contracted to provide services to our inductees, their families and guests who visit Laredo during the annual 3-day welcome reception, media luncheon and induction banquet celebration weekend. Through the years. (1975-2014), and with limited amount of funds the organization has, had the opportunity to help the youth of our community with scholarships and other youth activity fundraisers. Plans are to have a Latin Sports International Hall of Fame Museum (downtown) (soon) which will be a first for the United States and to provide clinics (free of charge) to instruct our youth in different sports.

Mission

The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1975 to recognize individuals with good and proper standing in the community, high morals and values and who have excelled in sports and/or have contributed to the promotion of sports and goodwill in the Latino community.


Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame

47th Annual Induction Banquet

 

 

 

 

Roma High School Basketball

1972 AA State Finalists
 

Wenche Garcia All State cager led the Roma Gladiators to victory over the Hebbronville Longhorns with 11 rebounds and 25 points.  The Gladiator victory allowed Roma to move on to regional competition. They would match up with Luling at the Texas A&I Kingsville fieldhouse.  The winner of this match up moved on to play the winner of the Woodsboro v Cole game.

Roma defeated Luling in the first game of regional competition. They went on to defeat San Antonio Cole to win the Region IV 2-A finals. Roma’s goal was to earn a spot in the state finals.  And that they did. 

At state Roma Gladiators played the first game against Morton.

 Morton won the game 65-55 and continued state play. Morton then defeated Whitehouse in the finals by a score of 62-59, thus were crowned the state 2AA State Champs in 1972.

Two Roma players were selected First Team All State – Jesus “Chuy” Guerra and Wenceslado “Wenche” Garcia.  Garcia was also selected to the Texas All Tournament team.